Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of recent trial schemes at second level schools involving replacing traditional school books with portable devices such as ipads and ebooks, if there is a timescale for the widespread introduction of this technology in the State's second level schools. [43041/12]

Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the increasing trend to replace schoolbooks with ebooks and associated new technology, generally promoted by the main school book publishers, the steps he will take to ensure equality of opportunity for those children, parents and schools who cannot afford ebooks, i-Pads and personal computers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42642/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions 71 and 112 together.

The decision to move to e-books is a matter for each Board of Management. In making this decision each school should consider all the available information and in this regard the Professional Development Service for Teachers – which now incorporates the ICT in Schools function is available to advise schools. One of the main factors to be considered by schools is the cost and I would urge schools to consult with parents before they make any plans in this important area. My Department is not in a position to make new grant funding available for purchase of ebooks and associated services and devices. However, I would like to clarify that schools may choose to allocate the existing book grant provided by my Department towards purchase of electronic books if they wish.

It is vital that all students can participate equally in our schools, and also that students can move between classes and schools, without parents being forced to incur additional costs. I believe that we must continue working with industry to develop common standards that ensure free movement within our education system, and also funding mechanisms that can ensure equality of opportunity for all students in relation to ICT equipment. To that end, I expect that these issues will be advanced through the forum consisting of education and industry that advises on these matters.